Bone-shaped stone guard and shoe incorporating same

ABSTRACT

A running shoe includes an upper, an outsole, a midsole and a stone guard. The stone guard includes a unitary plate member including an aft section and a fore section, wherein the fore section includes a first plurality of portions corresponding in size and location to bones of a human foot including a plurality of phalange portions individually cantilevered relative to the aft section.

BACKGROUND

Athletic shoes may be used in variety of circumstances and for a variety of purposes. Depending on the intended use of a shoe, it may be constructed differently or include different components than other types of shoes.

Running shoes can be constructed for multiple types of running environments and types of running. Often, road running shoes are constructed for running on pavement and other surfaces that are generally flat. These types of running shoes tend to be lightweight and flexible. Additionally, they typically include insulation to cushion or stabilize feet during repetitive strides on hard, even surfaces.

Cross-training shoes are constructed for workouts that include both aerobic and anaerobic types of activities. The soles of these shoes are often configured to maintain more contact with the ground to provide stability.

Trail-running shoes are often constructed for off-road routes that are rugged and where the runner may encounter various obstacles such as puddles, mud, rocks, roots, and so forth. These shoes conventionally include aggressive treads for improved traction and are fortified to add stability and support. Generally, the outsole of the shoe extends substantially beyond the edges of the shoe's upper to provide the additional stability.

Sometimes, trail-running shoes will include what is referred to as a rock plate or a stone guard. The stone guard is a thin layer, often of plastic, that may be positioned adjacent the midsole and provide protection to the foot from abrupt protrusions or juts in the running surface such as rocks or roots. These protrusions have been known to bruise or otherwise injure a runner's foot. Stone guards may provide a level of protection against such potential injuries. However, stone guards also tend to make the shoe substantially stiffer, which may result in discomfort or fatigue for the runner.

One example of a rock plate or stone guard includes that which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,440 to Rivas et al., issued Feb. 5, 2013. Rivas discloses a support plate to prevent “penetration” when concentrated stresses are transmitted to the sole of the shoe. The plate includes a plurality of longitudinally staggered, substantially lateral cutouts to provide a “snake-shaped” foot plate. The foot plate is inserted to enable increased torsional flexibility and distribute stress towards the outer parts of the shoe. However, the foot plate of Rivas does not appear to mimic the natural movement of the human foot. This reference is incorporated herein by reference for all that it contains.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a stone guard for use in a shoe comprises a unitary plate member including an aft section and a fore section, wherein the fore section includes a first plurality of portions corresponding in size and location to bones of a human foot including a plurality of phalange portions individually cantilevered relative to the aft section.

The first plurality of portions may also correspond to the shape of the bones of a human foot.

The unitary plate member may be formed of a material exhibiting a Shore A Durometer hardness of approximately 60 to approximately 80.

Each of the plurality of phalange portions may include a distal phalange portion and a proximal phalange portion.

At least some of the plurality of phalange portions may include middle phalange portions.

The first plurality of portions may further include a plurality of metatarsal portions, which places the largest metatarsal portion at 67% of the length of the foot cavity.

The aft section may include a second plurality of portions corresponding in shape and size to bones of a human foot, including at least one of a calcaneus portion, a talus portion, a cuboid portion, a navicular portion, a lateral cuneiform portion, an intermediate cuneiform portion, and a medial cuneiform portion.

The at least one opening is formed in at least one of the second plurality of portions.

The aft section may include a second plurality of portions corresponding in shape and size to bones of a human foot including a calcaneus portion, a talus portion, a cuboid portion, a navicular portion, a lateral cuneiform portion, an intermediate cuneiform portion and a medial cuneiform portion.

At least one opening may be formed in at least one of the first plurality of portions. In some cases, at least one opening is formed for coupling or decoupling portions of the unitary plate member.

The at least one opening may formed in at least one of the metatarsal portions.

In one embodiment, a running shoe is provided comprising an upper, an outsole, a midsole and a stone guard. The stone guard comprises a unitary plate member including an aft section and a fore section, wherein the fore section includes a first plurality of portions corresponding in shape and size to bones of a human foot including a plurality of phalange portions individually cantilevered relative to the aft section.

The stone guard may be co-molded with the midsole.

The stone guard may be located on an upper surface of the midsole.

The first plurality of portions may also correspond to the shape of the bones of a human foot.

The unitary plate member may be formed of a material exhibiting a Shore A Durometer hardness of approximately 60 to approximately 80. In other examples, the unitary plate member may have any appropriate hardness. For example, in some cases, the stone guard may have a greater hardness.

Each of the plurality of phalange portions may include a distal phalange portion and a proximal phalange portion. At least some of the plurality of phalange portions may include middle phalange portions.

The first plurality of portions may further include a plurality of metatarsal portions.

The plurality of metatarsal portions may be at least partially cantilevered relative to the aft section.

The aft section may include a second plurality of portions corresponding in shape and size to bones of a human foot including at least one of a calcaneus portion, a talus portion, a cuboid portion, a navicular portion, a lateral cuneiform portion, an intermediate cuneiform portion and a medial cuneiform portion. In some cases, the medial cuneiform portion is place at 12% of the length of the foot cavity, which may be measured using the foot last.

At least one opening may be formed in at least one of the first plurality of portions or at least one of the second plurality of portions.

In one embodiment, a running shoe comprises an upper an outsole, a midsole and a stone guard disposed on an upper portion of the midsole and comprising a unitary plate member exhibiting a Shore A Durometer hardness of approximately 60 to approximately 80. The unitary plate comprises an aft section and a fore section, wherein the fore section includes a first plurality of portions corresponding in shape and size to bones of a human foot including: a plurality of phalange portions individually cantilevered relative to the aft section, each of the plurality of phalange portions including a distal phalange portion and a proximal phalange portion, at least some of the plurality of phalange portions including a middle phalange portion and a plurality of metatarsal portions at least partially cantilevered relative to the aft section. The aft section includes a second plurality of portions including a calcaneus portion, a talus portion, a cuboid portion, a navicular portion, a lateral cuneiform portion, an intermediate cuneiform portion and a medial cuneiform portion.

The first plurality of portions may also correspond to the shape of the bones of a human foot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present apparatus and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present apparatus and do not limit the scope thereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example of a shoe in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an example showing various components associated with the sole of a shoe in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an example of a stone guard in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an example of a midsole and a stone guard in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of another example of a stone guard in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of another example of a stone guard in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts an example of a running shoe 100. In this example, the running shoe 100 includes a sole 102 and an upper 104 connected to the sole 102. The sole 102 and the upper 104 collectively form a foot cavity 106 that receives a foot of the user. The upper 104 includes a slit or an opening 108 that enables the size of the foot cavity 106 to vary while the user inserts or removes their foot. A tongue 110 is connected to the upper 104 near the end of the slit 108. The tongue 110 fills the gap defined by the slit 108 when the user is wearing the running shoe 100. Multiple eyelets 112 are formed in the upper 104 adjacent to the slit 108 through which a lace 112 passes in a desired lacing pattern. The lace 112 may be loosened to enable the foot cavity to be expanded while a user inserts or removes their foot, and may be tightened when the running shoe 100 is worn by the user to secure the user's foot within the foot cavity 106 of the shoe 100.

The foot cavity 106 may include a sock liner that lines portions of the foot cavity 106. Also, the side walls of the foot cavity 106 may include other types of cushioning that reduce the jarring impacts when the user's shoe strikes the running surface and holds the upper snuggly against the user's feet throughout the running motion. In some cases, the cushioning lines the entire surface of the foot cavity's wall. In other examples, the cushioning lines just a subset of the foot cavity 106.

In the example depicted in FIG. 1, the running shoe's upper 104 is configured as a low top profile wherein the upper 104 terminates at or below the user's ankle. The low top profile 116 provides the running shoe with a lower weight and provides the user additional movement.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the sole 102 of the shoe 100 depicted in FIG. 1 is illustrated, according to one example. The sole 102 includes an outsole 120 having a desired tread or pattern on its lowermost surface for engagement with a running surface. In the embodiment shown, the tread includes a variety of lugs 122 or other protrusions in what might be considered an aggressive pattern used for trail-running. The outsole may additionally include a toe bumper or toe guard 124 providing some protection for the user's toes as well as providing an ergonomic traction surface associated with a runner rolling up onto and pushing off of their toes while they run.

The sole 102 additionally includes a midsole 130 positioned about the outsole 120. The midsole 130 is configured to provide cushioning and shock absorbing to the runner. In one embodiment, the midsole may be configured of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA). Above the midsole 130 is a foot plate, also referred to herein as a stone guard 140. The stone guard may be formed of a polymer or other material having a Shore hardness of approximately 60-80 on the Shore A Durometer scale. As will be discussed below, the stone guard is shaped and configured to correspond with the skeletal anatomy of a user's foot, and moves with the user's foot during running activities.

The sole 102 further includes an insole 150 above the stone guard 140. The insole 150 provides a foundation on which a user's foot presses when wearing the shoe 100. The sock liner of the shoe may rest on the insole 150. The insole may provide some cushioning, but also provides structure and torsional stability to the shoe. In some embodiments, the sole may include an optional shock absorbing layer 160 placed between the insole 150 and the stone guard 140.

Referring to FIG. 3, a stone guard 140 is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The stone guard 140 includes a unitary component which may be formed as a thin sheet and may have a plurality of openings 162 defined therein. The stone guard may include any appropriate thickness. In some examples, the thickness may be between 1.00 mm and 2.0 mm. In one example, the thickness is 1.25 mm. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the stone guard 140 is shaped and configured to correspond with the anatomy (e.g., the skeletal anatomy) of a human foot. For example, the stone guard 140 includes an aft section 164 having a first portion 170 corresponding in size, shape and location with the calcaneus (heel) bone, a second portion 172 corresponding with the talus (ankle) bone, a third portion 174 corresponding with the cuboid bone, a fourth portion 176 corresponding with the navicular bone, a fifth portion 178 associated with the lateral cuneiform bone, a sixth portion 180 associated with the intermediate cuneiform bone, and a seventh portion 182 associated with the medial cuneiform bone.

The stone guard further includes a fore section 184 having five portions 186A-186E corresponding with the first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal bones. Additionally, the fore section 184 may include five portions 188A-188E corresponding with the first, second, third, fourth and fifth phalanges. Each of the phalange portions 188-A-188E may further include portions 190 (or sub-portions) corresponding with the proximal phalanges and portions 192 (or sub-portions) corresponding with the distal phalanges. The second through fourth phalange portions 188B-188E may further include portions 194 (or sub-portions) corresponding to middle phalanges. Additionally, the second through fourth phalange portions 188B-188E may further include portions 196 (or sub-portions) corresponding to metatarsophalangeal joints.

The phalange portions 188A-188E and distal portions of the metatarsal portions 186A-186B are cantilevered relative to the aft section 164 of the stone guard 140. Thus, each individual phalange portion 188A-188E, and at least distal portions of each metatarsal portion 186A-186E may flex independently of one another relative to the aft section of the stone guard 140.

As noted above, several openings 162 may be formed in stone guard 140. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, openings are formed in the talus portion 172, the navicular portion 176, the lateral, intermediate and medial cuneiform portions 178, 180 and 182 respectively, and the first, second and third metatarsal portions 186A-186C. These openings may provide additional flexibility of the stone guard and reduce weight and material usage while still providing strategic protection to the foot of a runner from protruding objects located in or on a running surface. In other examples, the openings may be shaped and sized to allow portions of the plate member to be couple and/or decoupled to one another.

Referring to FIG. 4, a midsole 130 is shown having a stone guard 140 co-molded with the midsole such that the midsole 130 and stone guard 140 are formed as a laminated structure with two different types of materials, including the stone guard 140 having Shore hardness of approximately 60-80 on the Shore A Durometer scale.

Referring to FIG. 5, another example of a stone guard 200 is shown. The stone guard 200 is sized and located to correspond with at least some of the anatomy (e.g., the skeletal anatomy) of a human foot. For example, the stone guard 200 includes an aft section 164 having a first portion 196 corresponding generally in size and location with the combined calcaneus (heel) and talus (ankle) bones, a second portion 174 corresponding with the cuboid bone, a third portion 176 corresponding with the navicular bone, a fourth portion 178 associated with the lateral cuneiform bone, a fifth portion 180 associated with the intermediate cuneiform bone, and a sixth portion 182 associated with the medial cuneiform bone.

The stone guard 200 further includes a fore section 184 having five portions 186A-186E corresponding with the first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal bones. Additionally, the fore section 184 may include five portions 188A-188E corresponding with the first, second, third, fourth and fifth phalanges. Each of the phalange portions 188-A-188E may further include portions 190 (or sub-portions) corresponding with the proximal phalanges and portions 192 (or sub-portions) corresponding with the distal phalanges. The second through fourth phalange portions 188B-188E may further include portions 194 (or sub-portions) corresponding to middle phalanges. Additionally, the second through fourth phalange portions 188B-188E may further include portions 196 (or sub-portions) corresponding to metatarsophalangeal joints.

The phalange portions 188A-188E and distal portions of the metatarsal portions 186A-186B are cantilevered relative to the aft section 164 of the stone guard 140. Thus, each individual phalange portion 188A-188E, and at least distal portions of each metatarsal portion 186A-186E may flex independently of one another relative to the aft section of the stone guard 200.

As noted above, several openings 162 may be formed in stone guard 200. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, openings are formed in the combined calcaneus/talus portion 196, the navicular portion 176, the lateral, intermediate and medial cuneiform portions 178, 180 and 182 respectively, and the first, second and third metatarsal portions 186A-186C. These openings may provide additional flexibility of the stone guard and reduce weight and material usage while still providing strategic protection to the foot of a runner from protruding objects located in or on a running surface. As seen in FIG. 5, the various “bone portions” of the stone guard, while corresponding generally in size and location to various bones of the human foot, do not necessarily correspond in actual shape, but may exhibit other geometries such as rectangular and square geometries.

Referring to FIG. 6, another example of a stone guard 210 is shown. The stone guard 200 is sized and located to correspond with at least some of the anatomy (e.g., the skeletal anatomy) of a human foot. For example, the stone guard 200 includes an aft section 164 having a first portion 196 corresponding generally in size and location with the combined calcaneus (heel) and talus (ankle) bones and a second portion 198 corresponding with the combined cuboid, navicular, lateral cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform, and medial cuneiform bones.

The stone guard 210 further includes a fore section 184 having five portions 186A-186E corresponding with the first, second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsal bones. Additionally, the fore section 184 may include five portions 188A-188E corresponding with the first, second, third, fourth and fifth phalanges. Each of the phalange portions 188-A-188E may further include portions 190 (or sub-portions) corresponding with the proximal phalanges and portions 192 (or sub-portions) corresponding with the distal phalanges. The second through fourth phalange portions 188B-188E may further include portions 194 (or sub-portions) corresponding to middle phalanges. Additionally, the second through fourth phalange portions 188B-188E may further include portions 196 (or sub-portions) corresponding to metatarsophalangeal joints.

The phalange portions 188A-188E and distal portions of the metatarsal portions 186A-186B are cantilevered relative to the aft section 164 of the stone guard 140. Thus, each individual phalange portion 188A-188E, and at least distal portions of each metatarsal portion 186A-186E may flex independently of one another relative to the aft section of the stone guard 210.

As noted above, several openings 162 may be formed in stone guard 140. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, openings are formed in the combined calcaneus/talus portion 196, the navicular portion 176, the lateral, intermediate and medial cuneiform portions 178, 180 and 182 respectively, and the first, second and third metatarsal portions 186A-186C. These openings may provide additional flexibility of the stone guard and reduce weight and material usage while still providing strategic protection to the foot of a runner from protruding objects located in or on a running surface. As seen in FIG. 6, the various “bone portions” of the stone guard, while corresponding generally in size and location to various bones of the human foot, do not always correspond in actual shape.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

In general, the present disclosure provides users with a stone guard, and a running shoe incorporating a stone guard, that protects a user's foot from various protruding articles that may be on or in a running surface. The stone guard also provides substantial flexibility for the runner's foot by enabling the stone guard to mimic the movement of a runner's foot. For example, the stone guard may include various portions that are shaped and configured to correspond with the anatomy of a runner's foot. This may include distinct portions associated with the phalanges and/or metatarsals. Each of these discrete portions may be configured for independent movement relative to other portions of the stone guard.

In one embodiment, the stone guard may include individual portions sized and shaped in correspondence with each bone of the human foot including the calcaneus (heel), talus (ankle), cuboid, navicular, lateral cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform and medial cuneiform bones. Further, the stone guard may include individual portions sized and shaped in correspondence with the five metatarsal bones and the five phalange bones. In one embodiment, each of the phalange portions of the stone guard may include sub-portions sized and shaped in correspondence with associated proximal, distal and middle (for the second through fourth phalange) phalange bones. Additionally, the stone guard may include individual portions associated with the metatarsophalangeal joints of the second through fourth phalanges. In some embodiments, openings may be formed in various portions of the stone guard to provide additional flexibility, to reduce weight, or for other appropriate reasons.

For example, in one embodiment, openings may be formed in the central areas of portions corresponding to the calcaneus, talus, navicular, lateral cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform, medial cuneiform and first, second and third metatarsal bones. In some embodiments, the openings may be shaped similar to, but smaller than, the bones with which they correspond. In other embodiments, openings may be formed in any of the corresponding bone portions, all of the corresponding bone portions, are any combination of the corresponding bone portions.

In one embodiment, the stone guard may exhibit a substantially constant thickness throughout its extent. In other embodiments, the thickness may vary, for example, from one bone portion to another. Further, in some embodiments, the thickness of the stone guard may vary from bone portions to sections connecting adjacent bone portions. For example, in one embodiment, the thickness between adjacent bone portions may be reduced relative to the adjacent bone portions to enhance flexibility of the stone guard at locations between bone portions. In other embodiments, other techniques may be used to tailor the flexibility of the stone guard at specific locations. For example, different materials (or materials of differing hardness) may be used to form the bone portions on the one hand, and the interconnecting portions that surround or extend between individual bone portions.

The stone guard may exhibit any appropriate hardness. In one embodiment, the stone guard, or at least portions thereof, may exhibit a durometer hardness of approximately 60-80 on a Shore A scale. In one embodiment, the entire stone guard may exhibit substantially the same hardness throughout its body. In other embodiments, as noted above, the hardness may be tailored by location.

In one embodiment the stone guard may be formed of a polymer material and may be co-molded with a midsole of the shoe, providing a laminated or bonded structure. In some embodiments, the stone guard may be formed of a material including, but in no way limited to, a polymer, a composite, a metal, a leather or other naturally occurring material, nylon, TPA, TPU, carbon fiber, and the like. In some examples, the stone guard includes a durometer hardness of more than 95. In one embodiment, the stone guard may be located along the top surface of the midsole. In another embodiment, the stone guard may be located along the bottom surface of the midsole. In another embodiment, the stone guard may be partially or wholly embedded in the midsole.

In some cases, a co-injection molding process may be used wherein the stone guard 140 is first injected into a mold as a “skin” material, followed by injection of the midsole 130 into the mold as a “core” material. In some processes, the material for the skin and the material for the core may be injected into the mold simultaneously. Co-injection molding processes provide product strength and performance and are able to utilize a variety of materials for injection into the mold, including high-impact plastics. Co-molding the stone guard with the mid-sole may allow the mid-sole and the stone guard to be fitted more compactly together than would otherwise be the case if they were injection molded separately. In some cases, as the parts are co-molded together, the shape of the stone guard may be complemented precisely by the profile of the mid-sole since the stone guard forms a portion of the mold of the mid-sole. As a result, no gaps are formed between the mid-sole and the stone guard. This leads to all portions of the stone guard being supported by the mid-sole. Additionally, the stone guard may be less prone to slipping with respect to the mid-sole.

In one embodiment, the stone guard may be removable (i.e., un-bonded to any other component of the sole) so that a user may selectively insert or remove the stone guard depending on their intended activity and anticipated terrain.

A shoe including a stone guard of the present disclosure may include a variety of other components and features. For example, the running shoe of the present invention may include a sole that is made up of at least two distinct layers, including the outsole and the midsole. The outsole may be configured for contact the a running surface (e.g., the ground). The outsole may be made of a hard, abrasion resistant material that resists wear, provides traction, and provides flexibility.

In some embodiments, the outsole may include a rubber compound with a high carbon content at the heel and in the toe box area. The outsole can be constructed with studs, ridges or other tread structures to provide traction on slippery surfaces, such as wet grass or slick pavement. In some examples, the outsole can include transverse grooves in the toe box area so that the running shoe is more flexible in the toe box area when the user's weight is loaded against the ball of the user's foot while the heel is raised off of the ground. Generally, the wider the outsole, the greater stability the outsole provides the foot. Although, a wide outsole may also increase the weight of the shoe. In some examples, the running shoe may include an outsole that is just as wide or has a width that is less than 5.0 percent greater than width of other corresponding sections of the shoe (e.g., corresponding sections of the midsole or upper).

The midsole of the sole is located above the outsole. The midsole is made of a material that provides cushioning while also providing stability. In some embodiments, the total height of the midsole and outsole under the heel may be about 1.0 inch and the total height of the midsole and outsole under the toe box may be about 0.6 inches. The difference in sole thickness between the heel and toe box can reduce the strain on the user's Achilles tendon. This drop in the height of the sole from the heel to the toe box may affect how the user's foot strikes the ground. In some cases, the heel drop may range from 4 mm to 10 mm.

The midsole may be constructed of various materials to provide cushioning. In some cases, the midsole is made of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane. EVA is a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate with microscopic air bubbles formed within the material making it lightweight while providing a good amount of cushioning. Polyurethane also has a microscopic air bubble structure like EVA but is generally firmer and more resistant to compression than EVA.

The shoe may further include an upper attached to the sole. In some embodiments, the upper may be made of a combination of lightweight nylon to reduce the running shoe's weight. However, a variety of other materials may be used to form the upper. The upper of a running shoe may also incorporate a heel counter that is commonly stiffer than in other athletic shoes to help control excessive pronation or supination during running.

In some embodiments, the upper may be formed of waterproof fabric. This prevents water from entering the shoe through the upper. The tongue of the running shoe may also include a waterproof fabric. In some circumstances the waterproof fabric of the tongue has the same characteristics as the waterproof fabric incorporated into the upper. In some embodiments, the waterproof fabric may be located on the underside of the tongue and on the inside of the upper adjacent the foot cavity. In some embodiments, the waterproof fabric of the upper is located on the outside of the upper. In some embodiments, the tongue may be connected to the upper along the tongue's edges with a gusset. The gusset may also be lined with the waterproof material. In some cases, the gusset's waterproof fabric is located on the inside surface that is adjacent to the foot cavity. In other examples, the gusset's waterproof fabric is located on the outside surface of the gusset.

In some cases, the waterproof fabric is small enough to exclude water particles that would come from the ambient environment such as water from rain, mud puddles, or other sources while enabling water to move from the inside of the shoe to the outside through a diffusive mechanism. The diffusive water transport mechanism allows some water to be removed from the inside of the running shoe or from the inside layers of the running shoe.

The waterproof fabric that forms the protective exterior also includes a second, convective water transport mechanism. The convective water transport mechanism is enabled due to the waterproof fabric being air permeable such that a small amount of air passes through the waterproof fabric. This additional air circulation accelerates the removal of water moisture inside the foot cavity or water moisture inside the upper's insulation in the inside layer. Convective mass transport works largely via advection or the transport of water through air motion. The convective mass transfer does not require sweat build up. The waterproof fabric can transport air out of the shoe when the user's foot is inserted into the shoe or not.

Any appropriate type of running shoe, trail-running shoe, or cross-training shoe may be formed in accordance with the principles described herein. In one example, the shoe may include a low-top profile where the upper terminates just below the user's ankle. While a low-top upper may provide less lateral stability, the shoe is lighter. In other examples, the shoe includes a high-top profile. In this example, the running shoe includes an upper that extends over the user's ankle. Other types of shoes, including non-athletic shoes, may also incorporate the principles, features or aspects disclosed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A stone guard for use in a shoe, the stone guard comprising: a unitary plate member including an aft section and a fore section; wherein the fore section includes a first plurality of portions corresponding in size and location to bones of a human foot including a plurality of phalange portions individually cantilevered relative to the aft section.
 2. The stone guard of claim 1, wherein the unitary plate member is formed of a material exhibiting a Shore A Durometer hardness of approximately 60 to approximately
 80. 3. The stone guard of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of phalange portions comprises a distal phalange portion and a proximal phalange portion.
 4. The stone guard of claim 3, wherein at least some of the plurality of phalange portions comprises middle phalange portions.
 5. The stone guard of claim 4, wherein the first plurality of phalange portions further comprises a plurality of metatarsal portions.
 6. The stone guard of claim 4, wherein the aft section includes a second plurality of portions corresponding in shape and size to bones of a human foot including at least one of a calcaneus portion, a talus portion, a cuboid portion, a navicular portion, a lateral cuneiform portion, an intermediate cuneiform portion and a medial cuneiform portion.
 7. The stone guard of claim 6, wherein at least one opening is formed in at least one of the second plurality of portions.
 8. The stone guard of claim 4, wherein the aft section includes a second plurality of portions corresponding in shape and size to bones of a human foot including a calcaneus portion, a talus portion, a cuboid portion, a navicular portion, a lateral cuneiform portion, an intermediate cuneiform portion and a medial cuneiform portion.
 9. The stone guard of claim 4, wherein at least one opening is formed in at least one of the first plurality of portions.
 10. The stone guard of claim 9, wherein the at least one opening is formed in at least one of the metatarsal portions.
 11. A running shoe, comprising: an upper; an outsole; a midsole; and a stone guard comprising a unitary plate member comprising, including an aft section and a fore section, wherein the fore section includes a first plurality of portions corresponding in size and location to bones of a human foot including a plurality of phalange portions individually cantilevered relative to the aft section.
 12. The running shoe of claim 11, wherein the stone guard is co-molded with the midsole.
 13. The running shoe of claim 11, wherein the stone guard is located on an upper surface of the midsole.
 14. The running shoe of claim 11, wherein the unitary plate member is formed of a material exhibiting a Shore A Durometer hardness of approximately 60 to approximately
 80. 15. The running shoe of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of phalange portions include a distal phalange portion and a proximal phalange portion; and wherein at least some of the plurality of phalange portions include middle phalange portions.
 16. The running shoe of claim 15, wherein the first plurality of portions further include a plurality of metatarsal portions.
 17. The running shoe of claim 16, wherein the plurality of metatarsal portions are at least partially cantilevered relative to the aft section.
 18. The running shoe of claim 16, wherein the aft section includes a second plurality of portions corresponding in shape and size to bones of a human foot including at least one of a calcaneus portion, a talus portion, a cuboid portion, a navicular portion, a lateral cuneiform portion, an intermediate cuneiform portion and a medial cuneiform portion.
 19. The running shoe of claim 18, wherein at least one opening is formed in at least one of the first plurality of portions or at least one of the second plurality of portions.
 20. A running shoe, comprising: an upper; an outsole; a midsole; and a stone guard disposed on an upper portion of the midsole and comprising a unitary plate member exhibiting a Shore A Durometer hardness of approximately 60 to approximately 80, the unitary plate comprising an aft section and a fore section, wherein the fore section includes a first plurality of portions corresponding in size and position to bones of a human foot including: a plurality of phalange portions individually cantilevered relative to the aft section, each of the plurality of phalange portions including a distal phalange portion and a proximal phalange portion, at least some of the plurality of phalange portions including a middle phalange portion; a plurality of metatarsal portions at least partially cantilevered relative to the aft section; wherein the aft section includes a second plurality of portions including a calcaneus portion, a talus portion, a cuboid portion, a navicular portion, a lateral cuneiform portion, an intermediate cuneiform portion and a medial cuneiform portion. 